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IScience Mar 2021Solubility screening is an essential, routine process that is often labor intensive. Robotic platforms have been developed to automate some aspects of the manual labor...
Solubility screening is an essential, routine process that is often labor intensive. Robotic platforms have been developed to automate some aspects of the manual labor involved. However, many of the existing systems rely on traditional analytic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, which require pre-calibration for each compound and can be resource consuming. In addition, automation is not typically end-to-end, requiring user intervention to move vials, establish analytical methods for each compound and interpret the raw data. We developed a closed-loop, flexible robotic system with integrated solid and liquid dosing capabilities that relies on computer vision and iterative feedback to successfully measure caffeine solubility in multiple solvents. After initial researcher input (<2 min), the system ran autonomously, screening five different solvent systems (20-80 min each). The resulting solubility values matched those obtained using traditional manual techniques.
PubMed: 33718828
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102176 -
Nature Communications Apr 2018Suspensions of motile bacteria or synthetic microswimmers, termed active matter, manifest a remarkable propensity for self-organization, and formation of large-scale...
Suspensions of motile bacteria or synthetic microswimmers, termed active matter, manifest a remarkable propensity for self-organization, and formation of large-scale coherent structures. Most active matter research deals with almost homogeneous in space systems and little is known about the dynamics of strongly heterogeneous active matter. Here we report on experimental and theoretical studies on the expansion of highly concentrated bacterial droplets into an ambient bacteria-free fluid. The droplet is formed beneath a rapidly rotating solid macroscopic particle inserted in the suspension. We observe vigorous instability of the droplet reminiscent of a violent explosion. The phenomenon is explained in terms of continuum first-principle theory based on the swim pressure concept. Our findings provide insights into the dynamics of active matter with strong density gradients and significantly expand the scope of experimental and analytic tools for control and manipulation of active systems.
Topics: Algorithms; Bacillus subtilis; Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Computer Simulation; Linear Models; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Motion; Rotation
PubMed: 29615618
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03758-z -
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews.... 2018Many important stochastic counting models can be written as general birth-death processes (BDPs). BDPs are continuous-time Markov chains on the non-negative integers in...
Many important stochastic counting models can be written as general birth-death processes (BDPs). BDPs are continuous-time Markov chains on the non-negative integers in which only jumps to adjacent states are allowed. BDPs can be used to easily parameterize a rich variety of probability distributions on the non-negative integers, and straightforward conditions guarantee that these distributions are proper. BDPs also provide a mechanistic interpretation - birth and death of actual particles or organisms - that has proven useful in evolution, ecology, physics, and chemistry. Although the theoretical properties of general BDPs are well understood, traditionally statistical work on BDPs has been limited to the simple linear (Kendall) process. Aside from a few simple cases, it remains impossible to find analytic expressions for the likelihood of a discretely-observed BDP, and computational difficulties have hindered development of tools for statistical inference. But the gap between BDP theory and practical methods for estimation has narrowed in recent years. There are now robust methods for evaluating likelihoods for realizations of BDPs: finite-time transition, first passage, equilibrium probabilities, and distributions of summary statistics that arise commonly in applications. Recent work has also exploited the connection between continuously- and discretely-observed BDPs to derive EM algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation. Likelihood-based inference for previously intractable BDPs is much easier than previously thought and regression approaches analogous to Poisson regression are straightforward to derive. In this review, we outline the basic mathematical theory for BDPs and demonstrate new tools for statistical inference using data from BDPs.
PubMed: 29942419
DOI: 10.1002/wics.1423 -
ACS Omega Feb 2023The increased serum concentration of CD36 is significantly associated with atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. Currently, there is no sensor...
The increased serum concentration of CD36 is significantly associated with atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. Currently, there is no sensor system used for the detection of CD36 in the clinical field. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sensor system for the detection of CD36. The large surface area/volume ratio and controllable surface conformation of electrospun nanofibers (ENs) make them highly attractive for immunosensor applications. In the present study, PS/MWCNT-PAMAM ENs were produced and used as an immobilization matrix of Anti-CD36. Thus, the electrochemical behavior of the developed nanocomposite-based ENs and their usage potential were investigated for immunosensor applications. First, an oxidized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT-OH) was synthesized and modified with a polyamidoamine generation 3 (PAMAM G3) dendrimer. The synthesized MWCNT-PAMAM nanocomposite was mixed with polystyrene (PS) solutions at different ratios to produce bead-free, smooth, and uniform PS/MWCNT-PAMAM ENs. PS/MWCNT-PAMAM ENs were accumulated on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) using the electrospinning technique. A biofunctional surface on the PS/MWCNT-PAMAM EN-coated SPCE was created using carbodiimide chemistry by covalent immobilization of Anti-CD36. The analytic performance characteristics of the developed PS/MWCNT-PAMAM/Anti-CD36 immunosensor were determined by performing electrochemical measurements in the presence of the CD36 protein. The linear detection range was found to be from 5 to 40 ng/mL, and the limit of detection was calculated as 3.94 ng/mL for CD36. The developed PS/MWCNT-PAMAM/Anti-CD36 immunosensor also displayed high tolerance to interference substances, good repeatability, and high recovery percent (recovery%) for artificial blood serum analysis.
PubMed: 36816687
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07458 -
ACS Omega Mar 2022A novel manganese metal-organic framework (Mn-MOF) termed UAEU-50 assembled from a benzenedicarboxylate linker (BDC) and trinuclear manganese clusters was synthesized...
A novel manganese metal-organic framework (Mn-MOF) termed UAEU-50 assembled from a benzenedicarboxylate linker (BDC) and trinuclear manganese clusters was synthesized and fully characterized using different spectroscopic and analytic techniques (e.g., X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). UAEU-50 adopted a hexagonal layer structure and exhibited superior thermal stability and robust chemical stability. Photocatalytic activities of UAEU-50 were investigated using the cycloaddition of CO to different epoxides, forming cyclic carbonates. Impressively, UAEU-50 can transform up to 90% photocatalytic CO conversion to cyclic carbonates in the visible-light region at ambient conditions.
PubMed: 35350318
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00663 -
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Sep 2020
Topics: Achievement; Attitude; Chemistry, Analytic; Female; Gender Role; Humans; Leadership; Professional Role
PubMed: 32533227
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02763-w -
Annales de Biologie Clinique Aug 2018Salivary cortisol assay, described for the first time almost forty years ago, has not been expanding until the last decade. Its simplicity, non-invasiveness and the easy... (Review)
Review
Salivary cortisol assay, described for the first time almost forty years ago, has not been expanding until the last decade. Its simplicity, non-invasiveness and the easy repetition of sampling make it an analytical matrix of interest. Since the publication of the recommendations of the American endocrinology society in 2008, salivary cortisol is recognized as one of the three main tests to screen for Cushing's syndrome. In addition, salivary cortisone, the major metabolite of salivary cortisol, still represents a severe potential interferent but could also be a complementary analyte for indications where evaluation of cortisol secretion is sought. Moreover, in the current context of practices and methods harmonization, the problem of lack of standardization presents also for salivary cortisol. This review briefly develops the three main tests of Cushing's syndrome screening to explain the reasons for integrating the saliva test into this screening. Then we will develop the variables that can influence salivary cortisol from a pre-analytic, physiopathological and finally analytical point of view.
Topics: Addison Disease; Circadian Rhythm; Cushing Syndrome; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Pre-Analytical Phase; Saliva; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 29952304
DOI: 10.1684/abc.2018.1355 -
Analytical Chemistry Jan 2017
Review
Topics: Analytic Sample Preparation Methods; Animals; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Glycoproteins; Humans
PubMed: 28105826
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04343 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Feb 2020Interest in orodispersible films (ODF) is growing day-by-day, since this dosage form overcomes some therapeutic obstacles, such as impaired swallowing, and offers... (Review)
Review
Interest in orodispersible films (ODF) is growing day-by-day, since this dosage form overcomes some therapeutic obstacles, such as impaired swallowing, and offers several benefits, such as the possibility to adapt the dosing requirements for a subset of patients. As a consequence, technologies to produce ODF have risen attention for possible applications in the development of patient-centric formulations. This review critically discusses current trends in the technology platforms proposed to manufacture ODF, including the innovation and opportunities to produce very small batches in a pharmacy setting. Although the main Pharmacopoeias recommend testing customized dosage forms for quality assurance, pharmaceutical assays are a matter of debate due to the complexity and high cost of conventional methods. Alternatively, non-disruptive online analytic methods can be proposed to assay ODF properties, above all to assure the uniformity of drug content.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Dosage Forms; Drug Compounding; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 31857185
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118963 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2020The root bark of has long been appreciated as an antiphlogistic, diuretic and expectorant drug in Chinese herbal medicine, albeit with barely known targets and... (Review)
Review
The root bark of has long been appreciated as an antiphlogistic, diuretic and expectorant drug in Chinese herbal medicine, albeit with barely known targets and mechanisms of action. In the 1970s, the development of analytic chemistry allowed for the discovery of morusin as one of 7 different isoprene flavonoid derivatives in the root bark of . However, the remarkable antioxidant capacity of morusin with the unexpected potential for health benefits over the other flavonoid derivatives has recently sparked scientific interest in the biochemical identification of target proteins and signaling pathways and further clinical relevance. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the functional roles of morusin in multiple biological processes such as inflammation, apoptosis, metabolism and autophagy. We also highlight recent in vivo and in vitro evidence on the clinical potential of morusin treatment for multiple human pathologies including inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer and the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Autophagy; Butadienes; Flavonoids; Hemiterpenes; Humans; Inflammation; Morus; Plant Bark; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Signal Transduction; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 32906784
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186541